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Always remember that you are absolutely unique. Just like everyone else. — Margaret Mead

Every Day is Malala Day

Every Day is Malala Day

Rosemary McCarney with Plan International

Second Story Press, Nonfiction, Apr. 1, 2014

Suitable for Ages: 5-9

Themes: Educating Girls, Letter from girls around the world to Malala Yousafzai

Opening: “Dear Malala, We have never met before, but I feel like I know you. I have never seen you before, but I’ve heard your voice. To girls like me, you are a leader who encourages us. And you are a friend.”

Synopsis: This book is an inspiring letter written to Malala Yousafzai from girls worldwide who have experienced educational and inequality barriers. Malala may be the most famous and outspoken girl in the world campaigning for the rights of girls. She is their hero, friend and role model in demanding change. McCarney opens the book describing how the fifteen-year-old was shot in the head by the Taliban on her way to school in Pakistan on Oct. 9, 2012. They wanted to silence her. They failed and she survived and became even more determined to work on behalf of children. In 2013, she was the youngest person ever nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Why I like this book: This is a beautiful and timely book written in the form of a letter from girls around the world expressing their gratitude to Malala for bringing attention to the barriers they face in receiving an education — poverty, violence, early marriage, and discrimination. It is a wonderful book to use in the classroom to introduce girls (and boys) to the issues of gender inequality and to promote the rights of all girls to attend school. Malala clearly demonstrates that children everywhere can change the world. Each page of the book is a beautiful photograph of a girl representing a different culture and race with a very simple and powerful statement that they too have rights. Many photographers contributed to this book. My favorite photos are those of the girls raising their hands in support of Malala to show the world what girls can achieve if they stand together. I highly recommend this book.

Resources: The book is a wonderful resource. There is an introduction about “Who is Malala” in the front of the book. And it ends with the speech Malala delivered on her 16th birthday, Jul. 12, 2013, to the United Nations’ Youth Assembly. This book belongs in every elementary school library. It is a great way to discuss the plight of girls in other countries with students. Encourage students to write a letter to Malala.

The author, Rosemary McCarney, is president and CEO of the Plan Canada team, where she launched the important Because I am a Girl campaign and led the initiative to have the United Nations designate an International Day of the Girl to draw attention to their problems and lift millions of girls out of poverty. Proceeds from this book will go to Plan International.

Every Friday, authors and KidLit bloggers post a favorite picture book. To see a complete listing of all the Perfect Picture Books with resources, please visit author Susanna Leonard Hill’s Perfect Picture Books.

About Patricia Tiltonhttps://childrensbooksheal.wordpress.comI want "Children's Books Heal" to be a resource for parents, grandparents, teachers and school counselors. My goal is to share books on a wide range of topics that have a healing impact on children who are facing challenges in their lives. If you are looking for good books on grief, autism, visual and hearing impairments, special needs, diversity, bullying, military families and social justice issues, you've come to the right place. I also share books that encourage art, imagination and creativity. I am always searching for those special gems to share with you. If you have a suggestion, please let me know.

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48 thoughts on “Every Day is Malala Day”

Wow! Once again, Pat you bring us another inspiring story. This is a story long overdue and so powerful. I would love to read this. Will have to see if it is in our libraries or stores now. Love that it is written in letter form. Shows what one girl can achieve and how she has inspired others to stand up for their rights. Can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for your wonderful review, Pat.

Yes, I was excited when I saw Malala’s story was going to be made into a picture book. There is an adult book “I am Malala” that young adults could read. But, now there is something for children, who need to understand the in some countries girls aren’t allowed to go to school. Malala has become a hero to those children.

I really believe there is a new wave of children being born who are equipped to champion important issues and causes. I love to find books about their stories. We come from different generations! And, I believe her healing process has been helped by becoming a champion for an important cause. You can read her story in “I am Malala,” a book for adults. Glad there is a PB for kids.

Pat, Thanks so much for selecting this book. It’s so important for our children to understand that not everyone has the privilege of going to school without violence or discrimination. But more important, that even a child, has a voice and the potential for the changing that world.

That’s why this book is so important. Malala is the voice for all of those experiencing poverty, violence, inequality. She is such a role model and she will bring change. The Taliban have not frightened her.

OH! I am so glad you choose to introduce this book for PPBF today. I want to read this book. Malala is my Hero too. I so admire her and am so proud of her and how she is so sincere and strong in her message. I am so glad there is a picture book about her now. It had to be written by an organization I guess. Organizations have louder voices than an individual unless you are Malala. 🙂

I was so excited to see that Second Story Press published this wonderful picture book for children. The author, happened launched the significant UN programs. Seems appropriate that she’d write a PB of girls thanking Malala.

A great choice indeed Patricia! Malala is such an inspiration to girls and women. Having lived in the Middle East, I know women with her courage and fight. But far too many who loose their battles to have their voices heard.

You always have the most interesting finds, Patricia. Growing up in the U.S., my children couldn’t even imagine such barriers to education. It’s good for children to see that everyone’s childhood experience is not the same.

Most of our children can’t begin to understand education barriers. Hopefully it will give them a fresh new look at how lucky they are to attend school. Because other children around the world would love to have the opportunity our kids take for granted.